Golden West College (GWC) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Golden West College
On weekends, Golden West College turns into a lively community swap meet, a snapshot of its open-door, real-world vibe. During the week, the campus settles into a coastal rhythm with open courtyards and sunny walkways. The college is known for solid transfer preparation and hands-on career training, with instructors who keep things clear and practical. It has a reputation for approachable teaching and coursework that asks you to build skills, not just memorize them.
Students tap a well-stocked library, tech-equipped labs, tutoring, counseling, and dedicated career and transfer support. Clubs, arts events, and athletics keep the calendar busy, and the beach-town setting means surfing, biking, and outdoor resets are close. The culture feels friendly and no-nonsense, with plenty of first-gen pride. Career services help connect students to internships and local employers across Orange County. It's a grounded place to start, then take the next step.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Golden West College (GWC) offers 47 degree programs across 25 major academic fields, graduating approximately 5,477 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Liberal Arts (3 programs, 3,358 graduates), Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 374 graduates), Business (4 programs, 291 graduates), Security & Safety (2 programs, 233 graduates) and Social Sciences (5 programs, 232 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Liberal Arts (3 programs, 3,358 graduates)
Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | 2,462 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24.0101 |
| General Studies | 558 |
|
Other Award
|
24.0102 |
| Humanities Studies | 338 |
|
Associate's
|
24.0103 |
Interdisciplinary (1 programs, 374 graduates)
Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 374 |
|
Associate's
|
30.0101 |
Business (4 programs, 291 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 252 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0201 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping Technology | 30 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.0302 |
| Sales and Marketing Operations | 5 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
52.1801 |
| Taxation | 4 |
|
Other Award
|
52.1601 |
Security & Safety (2 programs, 233 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Administration | 171 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
43.0103 |
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 62 |
|
Associate's
|
43.0107 |
Social Sciences (5 programs, 232 graduates)
Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economics | 186 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0601 |
| Sociology | 23 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1101 |
| Political Science and Government | 13 |
|
Associate's
|
45.1001 |
| Anthropology | 9 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0201 |
| Geography | 1 |
|
Associate's
|
45.0701 |
Personal Services (1 programs, 190 graduates)
Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts and Personal Care
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | 190 |
|
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
12.0401 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 159 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Physiology | 130 |
|
Other Award
|
26.0901 |
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 29 |
|
Associate's
|
26.0101 |
Health (1 programs, 99 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 99 |
|
Associate's
|
51.3801 |
Arts (7 programs, 94 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studies | 39 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0701 |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 34 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0101 |
| Graphic Design | 8 |
|
Associate's
Other Award
|
50.0409 |
| Theatre Arts | 8 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0501 |
| Dance | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0301 |
| Music | 2 |
|
Associate's
|
50.0901 |
| Theatre Design and Technology | 1 |
|
Other Award
|
50.0502 |
Psychology (1 programs, 90 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 90 |
|
Associate's
|
42.0101 |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Golden West College (GWC)
How much does it cost to attend Golden West College (GWC)?
The annual tuition at Golden West College (GWC) is $1,196 for in-state students and $11,084 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $2,661 for in-state students and $12,549 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $23,659 (off-campus) and books and supplies $1,465.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Golden West College offer?
Golden West College (GWC) offers 47 academic programs across 25 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs), Associate's, Other Award.
Most popular program areas include:
- Liberal Arts Education, General Studies and Humanities (3 programs)
- Cross-Disciplinary Studies and Integrated Research Programs (1 programs)
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (4 programs)
- Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety (2 programs)
- Sociology, Anthropology and Political Science Studies (5 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Golden West College?
Golden West College (GWC) provides financial aid to 9% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $6,487 and average loans of $4,509.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,479
- State/Local grants: $3,026
- Institutional grants: $480
- Federal loans: $4,509
The university supports 654 students with grants and 9 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Golden West College graduates?
Golden West College (GWC) graduates earn a median salary of $34,462 after 6 years and $43,145 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $19,505 (25th percentile) to $72,461 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $79,600 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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